New day centre for dementia launched

A new service to support people in local communities with complex needs is opening in East Leeds.

The former day centre has been transformed and upgraded to become a complex needs and dementia service, with extra investment in staffing meaning an intensive package of care and support can be provided to the growing numbers of people with dementia who might otherwise need residential or nursing care to be provided.

Wykebeck Valley is the first of a number of Complex Needs Centres run by the council across the city to be delivered into complex need centres with Calverlands in West Leeds and Laurel Bank in South Leeds due to open in 2018.

The new complex needs cents will see staff teams work with customers and their families so they are at the heart of developing their own care and support plan.

Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council executive member for health, well-being and adults, said: “This fresh approach to providing services to meet the needs of people with complex needs such as dementia reflects our wider commitment to delivering improved, modernised services in line with people’s aspirations, such as dedicated day provision.

“In the face of changing demands and expectations for care the council has been making sure we update the support and services we offer. The new complex needs centres we are developing offer a really valuable resource for family carers who require a break to maintain their caring role or continue in employment. By offering planned and targeted support they can help people have a fulfilling life, taking into account their wishes, aspirations and goals while maintaining them in their own home as long as possible.

“By working with people to identify their strengths and what they can do, as much as much as what they now find harder to do, support can be tailored to meet their individual needs. This means people get to live in their own home longer, something we know they generally want to do.”